What to Know about Traditional Heating Systems versus Tankless

One of the types of heating systems that is increasing in popularity is the tankless model. This model is smaller and uses a heated water on demand system that prevents you from having to heat a large tank of water and keep that tank heated until you are ready to use it. Though this may sound great, there are some reasons that a traditional heating system may be more ideal for your situation. Here are some things to consider about the traditional tank hot water systems over a tankless model.

Budgeting for Replacement

If something happens to your traditional hot water system or tank based system, the repair can be affordable. For example, you may have a leak that can be easily welded and repaired or a hose that just needs to be replaced to stop leaking. If the water isn't heating, you may have to replace the heating coil, or it could be something as easy as relighting a pilot light system for heating. With a tankless system, you may be looking at having to have the entire tankless box removed, new fuses placed, and new pipe run through the system. This could also mean more plumbing costs instead of a simple washer or segment fix.

Warranty and Service

An aspect of tankless systems that many people don't consider is the warranty or service of that system. Tankless companies are generally standalone companies and have been known to shut down. This may not be an issue that you consider because you assume that the tankless system is through another company that has the warranty. This isn't always the case. In some cases, the manufacturer of the system closes down and there is no option left for their customers because the manufacturer handled it all.

With traditional hot water systems, the tank is usually part of a larger national or international brand that offers some form of protection plan should the store you purchased the tank from go under. Warranties may also not be as long for tankless systems since they are relatively new while tank based systems have been around for decades and have an established baseline for their warranties.

Weather Conditions

So, you are located in Florida and feel that a tankless solar based system may be ideal for you. This may be true for your location, but keep in mind that other locations may not be as well suited. Places like Alaska that do not receive direct sunlight throughout the year would not be suitable. So, you go with a non-solar powered option instead. This still may leave you without hot water because the water does have to flow through plumbing and through the tankless unit for heating. This has a risk of freezing up more frequently than a standard hot water system or tank based system that stays warm or hot constantly.

These are only three things to consider when you are making a jump from a tanked hot water system to tankless hot water systems. If you don't know much about tankless water systems, you may want to consider a consultation with a hot water systems dealer to determine if they truly are the best option for you as well as your family, location, and budget.


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